Lenin J. Ramirez Cando, Ph.D.

Dr. Lenin J. Ramírez-Cando is a researcher and associate professor at Yachay Tech University, Ecuador, specializing in toxicology, biostatistics, and sustainability. With a Ph.D. in Sustainable Management with emphasis on Engineering from the University of Florence, Italy, and a Master’s in Toxicological Risk Assessment from the University of Pavia, Italy, his expertise spans in vitro toxicology, green chemistry, and life cycle sustainability assessments.
Dr. Ramírez-Cando has led and collaborated on numerous high-impact research projects, including initiatives funded by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and the United Nations Development Program. His work addresses pressing issues like eco-toxicological evaluations in mining and agriculture, the development of sustainable solutions, and advancements in biomedical nanotechnology.
Proficient in English, Spanish, and Italian, with advanced technical skills in data analysis and modeling, Dr. Ramírez-Cando combines academic rigor with impactful real-world applications in environmental and biomedical sciences.

Research Interests

• Green chemistry
• Toxicology
• Biotechnology
• Sustainability

Selected Publications

1. Mora-Ochoa, Y. I., & Ramirez-Cando, L. J. (2024). Salmonella pathogenesis-based In-silico design and immunoinformatic analysis of multi-epitope vaccine constructs in broiler veterinary medicine. The Veterinary Journal, 308, 106240.
2. Ramirez-Cando, L. J., Rodríguez-Cazar, L. G., Acosta-Tobar, L. A., & Ballaz, S. J. (2024). Molecular docking analysis of chlorpyrifos at the human α7-nAChR and its potential relationship with neurocytoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B, 59(5), 277-284.
3. Sánchez, K., Ramírez-Cando, L., Machado, W., Villafuerte, A., & Ballaz, S. (2022). Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC): a new biomarker for high-altitude pulmonary edema in the Ecuadorian Andes. Scientific reports, 12(1), 20740.
4. Ramirez-Cando, L. J., Guzmán-Vallejos, M. S., Aguayo, L. G., Vera-Erazo, F. D., & Ballaz, S. J. (2023). Neurocytotoxicity of imidacloprid-and acetamiprid-based comercial insecticides over the differentiation of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Heliyon, 9(5).

Research Projects

• 2022-2025 Grant from International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB): Served as the Principal Researcher. The project focused on Microalgae biomass application as a strategy to contain emerging Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis in Broiler production.
• 2019-2021 Grant from United Nations Development Program (UNDP)/SENESCYT: Served as Co-Director for the project investigating molecular mechanisms of neuromodulation by neonicotinoid-type pesticides in a human neuron culture model.